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Last week and the week before, I have friends who have asked me if I wanted to go to Rootz and Zouk for a nice night out. I am glad they asked me, but I had to decline because I made a vow to myself to stay off clubbing indefinitely. I think I’ve kinda outgrown the clubbing life. Majority of the people in there are younger than I am they all look and behave like kids….seriously! Well that’s because THEY ARE! Most of them barely out of college or just graduated with a job and have some cash to blow.

I admit I was like that once, and I was thinking back, sharing with a few friends the other day. The best clubbing days were during my college days. It amazes me how we use to go clubbing and raves every Friday and Saturday night without fail. It also amazes me how we even find all that cash to do it while only living on allowances from our parents. No matter how far the raves were; from Malacca to Genting to Port Dickson, you’ll see us there. I was reminiscing the days where we were underage and went in anyways. I remember we use to go as early as 9PM before the crowd came and before they start the cover charges just because we college students wanted to save a few bucks. Also having only 1 drink for the whole night was enough for us to have fun. We even parked the car at the cheapest car park possible even though if it meant a longer walk to the clubs. I guess that’s how we manage to save and go clubbing twice a week eh?

There was one incident in this club called “Hot Java” (circa 1998-1999 I think)  which is now more known as Benard’s in Centrepoint in Bandar Utama. Imagine this scenario: We were in college; we went in with some underage girls; police came for a raid; my friends and I hid in a walk-in cold room in the premise to avoid the cops…well the owner of the club asked us to hide there as they didn’t want to get fined for letting in underage patrons either. Scary right? But that’s all the fun bits!

I remember the number of kill-buzz raids that ruined the night. The numerous drunk stories. The numerous of substances (shhh..you didn’t hear it from me). The supper/breakfast before we head for home..

Now I can no longer stand extremely crowded places that you have to push your way through just to get to the toilet and worst of all, you have to shout or write a message on paper just to communicate. Yea, it looks really stupid when you see 2 people writing text messages on their phones and showing the other person the message to let them know what they want to say because the music is too loud to even talk!

These days, I will rather spend my time in bars/pubs with the company of a few good friends where we can sit, drink and chat. The only way you will ever see me in a club now is if there is a client event or a friend’s birthday. Other than that, I will most likely decline.. SORREH! Call me an old uncle but it’s true…I AM too old for this shit!

I keep telling myself the year 2010 will be themed “Rebuilding” for me. I’m rebuilding for the better. I’m rebuilding because I’m sick of the old and need change. Well I don’t know about you, but for me I need constant change in my life…change to progress in life. You see, I have this “thing” where I do a self assessment every 2 years or so to see where I am, and what have I accomplished during these few years. Something like your computer if you will. Need to install bug fixes from time to time to make sure that there are no flaws and threats to the system. But if there are too many flaws to fix, then it’s time to format your PC and do a fresh reinstall…hence rebuilding a new system.

I’m sure you’re wondering what exactly it is that I’m rebuilding. Well for starters, CAREER. I have been working in a great company for the past 2 and half years, with great people and great work environment but somehow I always knew that I will outgrow it one day. Don’t get me wrong, I love it there, but again I don’t see myself progressing if I were to stay any longer. So what did I do? I took a risk and resigned 3 months ago in hopes of finding a better place. Why risk? Because I didn’t have a job offer anywhere prior to handing in my resignation. I did it because I knew I had 3 months to look for a job, which gave me some time. I did it because I just wanted out as I can’t stand being stagnant and not progress.

Just a few weeks ago, my new employers presented me with a very good opportunity. An opportunity in terms of learning, as things that I will be doing there, is different to what I’m currently doing in my company. It’s an opportunity for career progression because it’s an MNC that has worldwide connections, therefore might be useful to me should I want to explore outside Malaysia. And of course the remuneration and company benefits that came along with it simply made it hard to say no to. It’s also flattering to know, that people in the industry talks about you by giving good recommendations to their company. To those who know what I’m talking about…THANK YOU! In case you’re wondering, I was also offered a job by a rival company of my future employers but I turned them down because their offer wasn’t as attractive.

FRIENDSHIPS – My friends are my life. Honestly, I owe every single one a big THANK YOU just for being my friend. I don’t know where I will be or what I would do without them. I have drifted apart with some good old friends these past few years. We drifted apart because both parties were busy with our own things, and with our new circle of friends. We might also take it for granted that we’ll be there for each other each and every time. It’s also partly my fault for not making the effort for keeping in touch…which is why I’m hoping to reconnect with them and rebuilding our friendships. It’s funny because these are the people I probably know the longest and are the ones who I trust the most, but yet somehow we seem distant of late. Well, I hope to change that soon.

Finally…RELATIONSHIPS. Now, relationships not always necessarily mean a girl. Relationship here mean improve relationships with myself and my family members. I say “myself” because I think it’s very important to love yourself first before you can start to love someone else. In my case here, loving yourself means being motivated, confident and having self believe. Try saying to yourself “I love me for me!” and see how you feel. It’s not about being egoistic, arrogant or vain, but how many of you can say that and actually mean it? Not many I suppose. Well, not entirely for me at least. I do try to be and see things as positively as possible but I think there is still room for improvement…which is why I want to work on improving my personal relationship with myself first before anything else.

Family photo taken on Christmas Eve 2009 with auntie Elaine

Next comes my family. Now I know I haven’t exactly been the best son/brother but I think I’ll put in more effort in spending time with them, especially my dad. I don’t see him every day now that I live out on my own. But you know what? He seems to be getting older each time I do see him even if it’s every week. I’m not kidding! It’s scary yet heartbreaking sometimes to see my dad age. He’s been losing weight and now has many visible white hair on his scalp. It just hit me that times like these are the most precious, and that I need to be spending it more with my family members.

So here is a toast to Rebuilding for 2010! To CAREER, FRIENDSHIPS and RELATIONSHIPS! :)

Whilst everyone on the planet mourn the recent passing of Michael Jackson, I thought I would do something different and share with you how MJ had been a part of my childhood instead. Ok, show of hands here, how many of you can remember the Moonwalker video game? Well, in case you didn’t know, yes..MJ had a video game created after him.

Click on the video to see the whole game. It’s about 27 mins long mind you, but I’ll assure you that those who remember this game will love it.

I for one remembered this game. I was still back in primary school (11-12 years old), and I used to sneak in the local arcades illegally just to play this game right after school. Yes, I know, I was under aged back then to be even entering the arcades, but it’s because of this game that got me hooked. It was also one of the first few arcade games that can play up to 3 players at a time. In this video you will only see one MJ character, but you can have a black and even a red MJ and have a 3-way dance fest. There is just something about the game…the moves, the way MJ kills his enemies…the music…all seem to bring out the very essence of what MJ truly is. My friends and I would spend what ever money we have left challenging each other for the top score. Now thinking back, it’s worth every single cent.

They say you are immortalized when someone puts you into a video game. Well, MJ is surely immortal now and will certainly be part of my life forever. RIP MJ.

Sometimes I wonder, why am I here…what is the purpose of my very existence? Right now, I have this feeling that I’m destined to do something better, something greater or something more significant at least. I just feel I need a change of direction perhaps career wise or even a change in lifestyle. If anyone knows me, I’m a person who gets bored easily. I like to strive forward in everything, trying out new stuff and never looking back. In short..I hate being stagnant.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my current job. It’s just that I sometimes feel  it’s not giving me enough personal satisfaction. Could it be that I have extremely high expectations upon myself that I constantly try to dabble into different things and always meet lots of people to help quench my thirst for curiosity and knowledge? Would it be a right move if I quit my current job, start something up entirely on my own that has entirely nothing to do with what I’m doing now? Or would it be a right move if I were to switch jobs and move into an entirely different industry?

Well, obviously I don’t have the answers. One thing is for sure is that there are lots of risk factors that I need to consider IF a decision is (ever) made. I’m THIRSTY! Thirsty for more challenging stuff. Thirsty for more knowledge. I work best under pressure…so come on world…show me what you’ve got! I need a breakthrough..I need a sign…

So what am I destined for? Perhaps I’m even destined to be Superman and save the world…who knows?

You know the saying "..if the shoe fits"? Life in general is all about decisions, comforts and being practical. It’s exactly like being in your favorite shoe store. If you’re a person that likes shoes (like me), and if you see that taboo 4-letter word "S-A-L-E" on the shoe store display, you can feel moment you enter the store, you know you’re fucked. It’s because of the temptation of buying a pair that comes with it upon entering the store. Yes, you have the option of not going in, but come on….that don’t usually happen now does it? You would still want to step in and look around to see if there is anything that you fancy. It’s called  giving in to temptation, and I know everyone as humans are guilty of it.

Firstly, there are decision to be made to pick one (or two), since almost every pair of shoes are on sale at the store. Life too is about making choices. Decisions are made based on the pros and cons of each choice. Choosing a pair of shoes is not rocket science, but choosing a decent pair that suits you well and that is long lasting is pretty much the same as deciding on a long term investment plan. In life, there are so many decisions to be made like which job, which insurance policy, which house to buy…the list is endless. When you choose a pair of shoes, you would also want it to last as long as they can and not have the soles come off just a week after purchasing it. You wouldn’t want to hesitant into making a decision just because it looks nice, but the quality is lousy. You’ll regret it later if you do that.

"Why I always have to choose? Can’t I have all?…Arrgh!"

Now, when you see a pair of shoes that you like, you would want to try it on first. Pretty much like starting a relationship with someone. You would want to try out to see if it fits and if they are comfortable. Always remember, if fits well, it’s not always necessarily comfortable. Most shoes has to be seasoned to feel extra comfortable. So before you go get married or something, it is necessary for both parties to feel comfortable with each other which requires time.

"Yes it fits perfectly!…but not really comfortable leh!"

Now lastly, it’s about being practical. If you already have those pair of shoes in similar design or color, it’s not really necessary to be getting another…unless it is a replacement for the worn out pair. Life is the same. It’s all about being practical and not being spendthrift. Certain things are "nice to haves" while others are "must haves". Everyone one can do without the former unless they have a little bit more saved up and would like to reward themselves. People need to know the clear distinction of the two especially with the slowdown of the global economy.

So, the next time you walk into a shoe store, just remember these things. Who would have thought that shoe shopping and life can have so many things in common huh? I bet you would see things a little differently now.

Note: Pictures from GettyImages.com